Best vacation places in south india

One can embark to vacation in south India to have fun and enjoyment, as it contains a wide scope of adventures.  It is also less touristic compared to other destinations in the country.  The place’s natural beauty is something that will leave you speechless.

Vacations are the only time many people look forward to heading off to a distance place. And anyone who is planning to go to South India should definitely add these cities in their itinerary!

When planning for a holiday, it is natural to plan for a destination where you are bound to enjoy your stay. For those of us who are looking for a luxury vacation, we often overlook the country’s southern states simply because we don’t know that much about these places.

If you’re looking for a vacation that won’t break the bank, but will still give you a chance to experience all of India’s rich culture and history, then South India is the place to go!

South India has plenty of options for those who want to be close to nature or those who want to stay in the city. Here are some of the best places to visit in South India:

1. Alleppey, Kerala: This Kerala town is known as the Venice of India because it’s lined with canals and boats. It even has a replica of the famous Venice Bridge! You can also visit one of the oldest churches in India, which was built in 1650 by Portuguese missionaries.
2. Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Tamil Nadu: The city gets its name from its location on a plateau that resembles an elephant’s head when seen from afar. This picturesque setting makes it a great place for hiking or biking through the mountains and forests surrounding town.
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Located at the foot of Mount Palani in dense forested hills, this city offers plenty of things to do such as hiking in nearby hills or enjoying a day trip into nearby tea plantations

South India is a land of immense beauty and diversity. From the rugged hills of Kerala to the lush greenery of Karnataka, and the beaches of Goa to the temples of Tamil Nadu, South India offers an experience like no other.

1. Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi is a small village in Karnataka that was once home to a vibrant capital city. It is known for its beautiful landscape and ancient monuments that date back to 14th century. The place has preserved its old world charm despite being a popular tourist destination today.

2. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka

Nagarhole National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India and features dense forests that are home to many rare species of animals such as tigers, elephants and wild dogs among others. There are also many birds that can be seen here during their migratory season from November to April every year.

3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station located amidst mountains on the outskirts of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu state in India. It offers breathtaking views of valleys and lakes as well as several nearby waterfalls such as Kodai Lake Falls and Coaker’s Walk Waterfalls which make for an excellent

1. GandiKota

Positioned at the bank of Penner River, Gandikota is a small village in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh. While being one of the most peaceful places to visit in South India, GandiKota offers a perfect refuge for those seeking a break from the hustle & bustle of city life. You can explore the ancient Belum Caves and water activities at the Owk Reservoir. Mylavaram Dam, Raghunatha Swamy Temple, Jamia Masjid, Gandikota Fort, and Pennar Gorge are the iconic tourist attractions in Gandikota. 

Ideal duration: 3-4 days
Best time to visit: September to February
How to reach:

• By rail: The closest railway station is 26 km away at Muddarunu in the Cuddapah district. One can take a bus to the nearest town Jammalamadugu.
• By air: You can take a flight to Bengaluru International Airport. From here, it takes 6 hours to reach Gandikota. There is also Tirupati airport which takes 4.5 hours to reach this destination.

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2. Belum Caves

With a length measuring 3229 m, Belum Caves are the second largest caves in the Indian subcontinent. One of the most popular places to visit in South India, the caves are formed with black limestone and have long passages, chambers, and freshwater galleries. Furthermore, the deepest point of caves is 120 feet from the entrance level. So, if you are a history or architecture connoisseur, plan a visit to Belum Caves and explore its uniqueness. 

Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach:

• By air: The nearest airport to reach the caves is Cuddapah or Kadapa Airport from where you can board a taxi or a bus that will take around 2.5 hours to reach.
• By rail: The nearest railway station is Tadipatri just 30 km away from the cave. Buses, cabs, and autos are easily available at the station to reach caves. 

3. Skandagiri Hills

Also known as Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri is a mountain located 70 km away from Bengaluru city. It is. If you wish to witness the best of South India, then a visit to Skandagiri Hills is a must as the location gives you breathtaking views at an altitude of 1350 m. Apart from this, you can enjoy witnessing the old fortress and pay a visit to the abandoned Shiva temple. So, if peace and nature’s bliss are all that you are seeking, Skandagiri Hills should be on your itinerary.

Ideal duration: 1 day
Best time to visit: November to January.
How to reach: You can reach the point with a day-long hike from Bangalore. With a moderate to high difficulty level, the total hiking distance is 8 km.

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4. Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is a hamlet on the South Eastern tip of Pamban Island, hit by a disastrous cyclone in 1964.  Once a town, equipped with all facilities, Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram is now just a sandy shoreline with the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on another side. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, with his fellow companions, built the famous bridge known as Dhanushkodi Ram Setu or Adam’s Bridge. 

Ideal duration: 1-2 days
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach: 

• By air: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport to Dhanushkodi which is around 167 km away from it. You can easily hire a cab to reach your destination
• By rail: You can board a train to Rameswaram railway station which lies around 18 km from Dhanushkodi

5. St Mary Island

Located only 6 km from the coast of Karnataka, St. Mary Island is a less explored tourist place in South India. A group of 4 islands, namely Daryabahadurgarh Island, North Island, South Island, and Coconut Island. St. Mary was formed by Sub-volcanic, subaerial activity around 88 million years ago when Madagascar was in India. What makes the island captivating are the white sand beaches, exotic wildlife, and rock monoliths. Furthermore, the crystallized basalt rock formations and awe-inspiring sunset views will make your experience a memorable one. 

Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: October to January
How to reach: 

• By Ferry: The island is 6.4 km away from the coast, and you can reach the island by ferry services.
• By air: You can get to the nearest airport at Mangalore which is 58 km from Malpe. There are frequent buses and taxis available for Malpe.
• By rail: The nearest railway station is Udupi which is 4 km away from Malpe.